Breakwater School is proud to play a leading role in a collaborative effort to revitalize and “greenovate” Nason’s Corner Park. In the spring of 2009, Breakwater received an $85,000 foundation grant that provided the seed money for the design and development phase of the $400-600,000 “greenovation” project. The public-private collaborative currently comprises Breakwater School, the City of Portland Department of Public Services, the Nason's Corner Neighborhood Association, and the Portland Trails School Ground Greening Coalition. We continue to seek additional support.
What will the new park look like?
Flanked by Capisic and Albion Streets, the 3.75-acre park is now home to the School’s playground and approximately three acres of community athletic fields. The new design, drafted by landscape architects at Terrence J. DeWan & Associates, will enhance the current athletics fields and add pedestrian pathways, edible gardens, and granite benches where people can sit under shade trees and watch their children explore the natural playscape.
The concept design was informed by extensive input from all constituents, including the Breakwater School community and representatives from the Nason’s Corner neighborhood, the City of Portland Public Services Department, and local athletic teams.
Why should we clean up — and green up — our act?
First, the greening initiative supports our mutual goal to live more equitably and sustainably on this planet, beginning where we live and play. It is important that our children, the future stewards of our environment, learn to value and care for the natural world.
Interestingly, while everyone benefits emotionally and physically from being outdoors and connecting with nature, it may be that playing in nature can actually give children a leg up developmentally. Research suggests that whereas traditional playgrounds can confine children to specific activities and limit creative play, natural playscapes can enhance the development of important social, cognitive, sensory, and physical motor skills.
Finally, in the past 20 years, obesity has risen by 100% nationally, with rates doubling in young children and tripling in teens. According to Maine CDC/DHHS, nearly 3 out of every 5 Mainers are obese or overweight. About 25% of Maine high school students are overweight, and 36% of Maine kindergartners have a body mass index at or beyond the 85th percentile. The revitalized park will invite and inspire the whole community to live leaner, greener lives.
For more information or to find out how you can contribute to the Nason’s Corner Park Project, visit www.nasonscornerpark.org or contact Kathy Damon at 207.772.4295 x 223.
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